Recent Moniteau graduate Andrea Eiler thought her softball career was over. But she is getting another chance to play at Penn State New Kensington.

Andrea Eiler had no plans to play softball in college.

A left-handed senior pitcher for the Moniteau softball team, Eiler focused on a long road ahead of her to become a veterinarian.

Softball didn't appear to be a part of that future.

Then Penn State New Kensington came into the picture, giving Eiler the chance to keep playing.

“At first I didn't want to play college softball,” Eiler said. “Now I'm playing for two more years. I love the game.”

She still has something to prove on the softball diamond.

Eiler figured she was going to be able to help the resurgent Moniteau softball team this spring.

The Warriors had a young and talented roster and a few star upperclassmen who saw marked improvement last season.

Eiler said she felt like Moniteau was going to go far.

Instead, the Warriors went nowhere — along with every other softball team in the state — because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It robbed Eiler of a chance to make an impact on her high school team.

“I was very devastated,” Eiler said. “It was my last year. We had a good group of players and I was looking forward to it.”

Eiler continued to honing her arsenal of five pitches — fastball, changeup, drop ball, curveball and rise ball.

Her fastball-drop ball combination was coming along and she was gaining more command on her pitches — something that had dogged her in the past.

She's hoping to get the chance to keep improving at Penn State New Kensington.

“I have pitching lessons once a week and I'm doing different drills to get better,” Eiler said.

She has seen the results.

“Oh, definitely,” Eiler said. “I've gained speed and all my pitches have gotten more accurate.”

Eiler was also on the Moniteau competitive cheer and volleyball teams.

She has a clear path for her future beyond sports.

“I've always had a love for animals,” she said, pointing out that it will take her at least eight years to become a veterinarian. “Since I was little, I've always rescued anuimals, helped out at animal shelters and rescues. It's in my heart.

It's going to be a lot of hard work,” she added, “but it'll be worth it.”